Acting Director of Public Authority for Manpower Ahmad Al-Musa disclosed that approximately 1.6 million expatriates from different nationalities are currently working in private sector.

He explained the figures constitute 1,450,000 males and 140,000 females. He denied that Public Authority for Manpower intends to reduce the number of expats in the country, noting the sector is keen on recruiting qualified and experienced workers according to the market need.

Meanwhile, Al-Musa pointed to a decision preventing the recruitment of workers who are 60 years old and above unless the profession is rare and requires many years of experience. He noted 314,000 work permits were issued in 2015, in addition to 41,000 final cancellations for departure, while 241,000 work permits were transferred within the private sector during the period.

He stressed the new executive decree for evaluating the market will be active soon.